Job Description

A boutique luxury resort and marina on Harbour Island in the Bahamas is hiring an Executive Chef.

The property is an intimate, all-suite resort of about 13 to 15 suites, set on a restored bayfront estate steps from the famous pink-sand beach. It pairs a relaxed island feel with high service standards. Amenities include a pool overlooking the bay, a gym, pickleball, and a full-service marina that welcomes sport-fishing boats and mega-yachts. The resort reopens in mid-November 2026 after a renovation, and the Executive Chef will help lead that relaunch.

The Executive Chef owns all food and beverage across two dining outlets:

• A casual waterfront bistro. This is a licensed-brand concept with an established menu, so the focus is inventory control, staff supervision, cost discipline, and consistent execution rather than heavy menu creation.
• The main dining operation, a rooftop venue serving fine dining plus daily breakfast. This carries the full Executive Chef scope: menu creation, fine-dining execution, breakfast service, and event and catering menus.

This is a hands-on, resident role on a small island. You report to the General Manager and Owner. There is no required travel.

First-90-day priorities: verify inventories, review menu pricing and cost of sales, and refresh menus to grow dinner volume. Within the first year: build function and event packages to grow group business.

Requirements

Essential

• At least 5 years as an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a luxury setting
• Experience in a 4-star or 5-star hotel or resort
• Experience running more than one restaurant concept or outlet at once
• Proven experience working in a remote location
• Strong, current skills across international cuisine, bistro dining, and fine dining
• Solid command of food-cost control and payroll and labor control
• Strong kitchen operations and a genuinely hands-on style
• Excellent leadership and team development skills
• Fluent English
• Formal culinary education or training
• Comfortable building and updating menus in a point-of-sale (POS) system
• Eligible to obtain a Bahamian work permit
• Valid passport and a clean police background check
• Available to start by November 1, 2026

Preferred

• Caribbean or island experience
• Familiarity with island culture and island logistics, such as supply chains and weather disruptions
• Pre-opening or relaunch experience, including writing SOPs, hiring, training, and going live
• Bahamian nationals or candidates who already hold Bahamian work authorization

Location and lifestyle

This is a year-round resident role on a small, secluded island reached by a short flight from Nassau and a short boat ride from North Eleuthera. Candidates should be comfortable living on a remote island with island-style logistics. Housing is provided for the chef.

Benefits

Total compensation package valued at approximately US$100,000 - US$120,000 or more per year, made up of:

• Base salary, set by experience (US$65k - US$85k per annum)
• Monthly gratuity (tip) pool participation
• Quarterly bonus program
• Provided housing, either on-site or in a nearby rental
• Provided local transportation
• Inbound flight to the Bahamas covered

Additional benefits:

• Two weeks of paid vacation, taken during the property's seasonal closure
• Possible wellness stipend
• Initial term of one year, aligned to the work-permit cycle, with the intent to renew

This is a non-exempt role, so overtime is possible and paid. Expect long hours around service and the reopening.

Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.

To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit
Headhunters and Recruiters in the Bahamas, Keller Executive Search and Recruitment Services

Disclaimer

Keller Executive Search is an equal opportunity recruiter. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, creed, religion, sex, marital status, political opinion, age, national origin, disability, or HIV/AIDS status, in accordance with the Employment Act, 2001 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Selection is based solely on qualifications, experience, and ability to perform the role.

In line with Bahamian labour and immigration requirements, preference will be given to suitably qualified Bahamian citizens and lawful permanent residents. Non-Bahamian applicants must hold, or be eligible to obtain, a valid work permit issued by the Department of Immigration before commencing employment.

This advertisement is for recruitment purposes only and does not constitute an offer of employment. Any offer is subject to verification of qualifications, references, and right-to-work status.